One of the great things about Dollar Tree is that they sell everything, from cake mixes and candy to shampoo and shaving cream to paper plates and party hats. But when there's so much merchandise, that also means that not every item is a winner. To figure out what's really worth picking up at this dollar store, we brought in the retail pros. Ahead, get their advice on the best things to buy at Dollar Tree.
RELATED: 5 Secret Ways Dollar Tree & Dollar General Are Ripping You Off.
1. Party supplies
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It's easy to get carried away when putting together a party, ensuring every plastic utensil and napkin match perfectly. But with the prices at Dollar Tree, you can easily afford to maintain that level of detail.
"You can find just about everything you need to set up for a party at the Dollar Tree, from party favor bags to speciality signs to serving bowls to streamers, and for less than party suppliers," says smart shopping expertAndrea Woroch.
She finds this particularly helpful when organizing a holiday-themed event: "You can find a wide selection of goodies, favors, and small toys for just about every seasonal event and holiday at the dollar store for cheap, so this is hands down the best place to pick up Easter basket fillers, 4th of July party goodies, and more."
2. Balloons
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Even if Party City weren't shutting down, Dollar Tree would still be a great place to buy balloons.
"Pick up helium-filled balloons for $1.25 each or a pack of inflatable balloons for the same price," notes Woroch. "In comparison, you're looking at spending around three to 10 times more at party stores."
Even at grocery stores and drugstores, helium-filled balloons are at least five times the price, adds Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert for MySavings.com.
RELATED: 8 Warnings to Shoppers From Ex-Dollar Tree Employees.
3. Greeting cards
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At Dollar Tree, you can save almost 90 percent on greeting cards.
"Greeting cards are hands down the best buy at the Dollar Tree, where you can find a selection of options for just about any celebrations for either 50-cents each or $1. If you're looking to save, look specifically for the 2/$1 options to get them for 50-cents," shares Woroch.
"At big box stores, you're looking at paying around $4 to 5 on average but some cards can cost as much as $7 a piece," she explains. "Considering most people throw away their cards after reading them or opening the gift, don't waste your money on a fancy option. It's the sentiment you write inside the card that matters anyway!"
4. Cleaning supplies
1 | Items are certainly cheaper at Dollar Tree, but there's a reason for that.Shutterstock
"You can get all-purpose cleaners, kitchen grease cleaners, and bathroom cleaners for 50 percent less than when you buy from the grocery store or big box store," notes Melanie Musson, a retail finance expert with Clearsurance.com.
Cid is a fan of Dollar Tree's popular cleaning brand, LA’s Totally Awesome, and others agree.
In a TikTok video, shopping influencer Melissa Houser (@mhouser12) specifically said, "The LA's Totally Awesome brand of Windex is so good." Shoppers also say their all-purpose cleaner "is amazing."
But don't rule out name-brand cleaning supplies from Dollar Tree. The store regularly says items from Lysol, Brillo, Dawn, and more.
RELATED: 7 Best Things to Buy at Dollar General.
5. Seeds
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Getting your garden ready for warmer weather? Don't miss a stop at Dollar Tree.
"Dollar tree carries a variety of garden seeds, especially during the spring," says Cid. "You can find veggie, herb, and flower seeds for only 4 for $1.25, much less then you’ll find anywhere else."
6. Crafting supplies
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You won't find the same selection as you would at a store like Hobby Lobby or Michaels, but the crafting section at Dollar Tree has supplies for 30 to 50 percent less than what you'd pay at these craft stores, notes Woroch.
Particularly, she says the stickers are a great deal at just $1.25 a sheet: "In comparison, you're looking at paying around $5 at a big box store for the similar stickers."
RELATED: 8 Best Things to Buy at Hobby Lobby.
7. Coloring supplies
Shutterstock"With the exception of the rock-bottom back-to-school sales during July and August, crayons and markers are a better buy at the Dollar Tree most of the year at just $1.25 per package," Woroch shares.
8. Movie theater snacks
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We don't have to tell you how expensive snacks are at the movie theater. Enter, Dollar Tree.
"Stop by a Dollar Tree before heading to the movies to save big bucks on snacks. Dollar Tree carries movie theater-style candy boxes with all of our favorite candy brands for only $1.25 each," Cid reveals.
